In a rare and high-stakes meeting, U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House, igniting tensions with India over disputed claims of American mediation in the latest India-Pakistan conflict.

Unprecedented Meeting, Contested Credit

The White House lunch between Trump and Munir marked the first time a U.S. president hosted a Pakistani army chief without accompanying civilian officials. Trump praised both Munir and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for halting last month’s military clash, stating, “I stopped the war… They were going at it—and they’re both nuclear countries.”

However, India swiftly rejected the assertion. According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Prime Minister Modi told Trump during a phone call that “there was no talk… on U.S. mediation,” and that the ceasefire came through direct military-to-military dialogue between India and Pakistan.

U.S.-Pakistan Rapprochement Amid Regional Tensions

Pakistan’s military said the meeting addressed trade, strategic convergence, and tensions in the Middle East, including the Israel-Iran war. Munir reportedly urged Trump to avoid escalation and seek a ceasefire with Iran. Pakistan has publicly condemned Israel’s strikes on Iran, citing violations of international law.

The meeting is seen as a significant warming of U.S.-Pakistan ties after years of stagnation during both Trump’s and Biden’s administrations. Trump hinted at future trade agreements with both India and Pakistan.

Ceasefire Details and Diplomatic Fallout

The May 7–10 hostilities began after an April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir killed 26 people, which India blamed on Pakistan-backed militants. The ensuing escalation saw fighter jets, drones, and artillery fire from both sides. Trump claimed the ceasefire followed his urging the nations to “focus on trade instead of war,” a statement New Delhi disputes.

Pakistan maintains that the U.S. played a role in halting the violence, while Modi’s government insists India will “never accept third-party mediation.”

Trump’s remarks may jeopardize steadily improving U.S.-India relations. Analysts warn that Delhi’s tolerance for closer U.S.-Pakistan cooperation could diminish if Trump continues to publicly claim a mediating role in the long-standing Kashmir conflict.